The Penguins and Blue Jackets have been in disscussions for the past 10 days and Penguin scouts have been attending the Blue Jacket’s last two contests. The holdup that may send these talks south is the second player being thrown in the deal. The Penguins are asking for Fredrik Modin while the Blue Jackets are trying to sign him to an extension. Indications are they have countered with Anson Carter who the Penguins offered a 2 yr deal in the summer but he took the lucrative deal in Columbus. Zherdev a former #4 pick overall has been a dissapointment thus far but has loads of potential and he is the main part of the deal.

The George Laraque rumors have been going on for over two weeks since TSN reported the Penguins were close to trading for the heavyweight champ of the National Hockey League. The problem is the Coyotes are asking for touted prospect Carl Sneep and Dominik Moore. A new twist to the rumor is the Penguins also have interest in Yanic Perreault and a deal could be struck by the deadline if the Coyotes part with Yanic Perreault.

Talk shows in Edmonton have been reporting Ray Shero and Kevin Lowe have had talks about this proposed trade but the Oilers want Kris Letang not Noah Welch. Letang is untouchable so don’t look to much into this rumor.